Which Is The Ancient Religion Of Japan?

The ancient religion of Japan is called Shinto which began in 500 century BCE. The word Shinto which means "the way of God" is derived from the Chinese words "Shin Tao" which involves fertility cult rituals, nature worship, and hero worship. Shinto was deeply integrated with the political system in Japan and it was with American intervention after world after two that the Emperor of Japan consented to separate the two.


What is really unique about Shinto is that it does not have any written scriptures or doctrines, no real founder and a there is no well defined structure of priesthood. The teachings of Shinto incorporate the following:

Tradition and family are of prominent importance

Love of nature and the worship of the objects of nature.

Physical cleanliness is again of vital importance.

Matsuri or the honor and worship of Kami their chief deity and their ancestors.

There are four different forms of Shinto:

Koshitsu Shinto (Shinto of the royal house), Jinja Shinto, Kyoha Shinto and Minzoku Shinto.

Shinto is a peaceful and tolerant religion and does not oppose any other form of worship or other religions. A Shinto follower respects the beliefs, cultural practices of the followers of other religions.